Americans Enthusiastic Response to “An Era of Conscience”

Energy Girls and Boys Spread Conscience on Independence Day in San Jose

[Yaping reported by SJ]

Energy Girls Gill Wang, Betty Lu, and Erica Wu perform the Celestial Horse dance during the parade.

Every year on the fourth of July, America celebrates its national day, also known as Independence Day. This day is celebrated in cities and towns all over America, many of which throw parades to unite the young and old in honor of the history and traditions of the U.S. July 4^th is also a day where the red, white, and blue American flag is raised high up into the sky where everyone can look up and see how hard people fought for their nation’s freedom. Every year, the “Rose, White, & Blue Parade”, which goes back to 1896, is held in San Jose, California. As Silicon Valley is home to people of many different ethnicities, people from different cultures are brought together in this parade. This year, around 100 groups, both big and small, have been invited to participate in this yearly tradition. One of the groups that have been invited to join the parade is Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy. From the formation of the paraders to the dances performed, they reflect the newfound “An Era of Conscience” movement. As they are sharing the spirit of a vigorous dance, smiles and positive energy, their inner vitality and energy brings happiness to many of those watching from the sidelines and other people participating in the parade. 

The Energy Boys and Girls with the United States Air Force making the Era of Conscience gesture.

The parade has American traditions and a family-style atmosphere. Parade groups are from local government agencies, military and civilian; there are political representatives, soldiers and officers, school students, civic groups, sports groups, charities, antique auto clubs, cycling teams, and others from all walks of life. After hearing about the “An Era of Conscience” movement, many made the special “Era of Conscience” gesture and spoke words that contributed to preserving their conscience. Prior to the parade, Energy Girls and Boys from Tai Ji Men met with the Silicon Valley Roller Girls, National Civil War Association, United States Air Force, Hobbits Stable, Troop 600, California State Military Reserve, students from the Mariachi Estelar, Salvation Army, and the Cleveland Avenue Soccer Fan to share An Era of Conscience movement with them. George and Philippe Garcia of the Mariachi Estelar shared their hope for a better world through the traditional and enthusiastic Mariachi music and to help keep culture alive for future generations. California State Military Reserve Officer Albright also expressed his willingness to unite and cooperate with everyone so that California could become a safer, more enjoyable place. Ivrage, from the Boy Scout Troop 600, said that to him, community service lets people in need receive help from others. A National Civil War Association member told us that learning to communicate with each other would make the world a better place for all. Members from Hobbits Stable said to keep smiling, and learn to forgive and forget. In addition to the interviewees, we met 16-year-old Polina Edmunds, the 2014 U.S. National

2014 Winter Olympics Women's Solo Figure Skating 9th-place winner Polina Edmunds is a 16-year-old rising star shining in the skating community, hoping with her effort and discipline to make the Olympic Games a better place.

Figure Skating silver medallist, and winner of 9^th place of the 2014 Winter Olympics Women's Solo Figure Skating. She said that with hard work and discipline, competitors could help make the Olympics even better than they already are. 

The parade was 1.7 miles long, winding through the beautiful Rose Garden Community. During the one-hour parade, three Energy Girls, named Betty Lu, Erica Wu, and Gill Wang, performed the Celestial Horse Dance. Smiling and waving happily to the spectators, their performance won cheerful applause from the crowds. Gill Wang revealed that even though she was out of energy after going through the vigorous dance twice, she was able to gain newfound strength by waving to the crowds, who clapped in reply. This interaction made every move more fun and filled her with energy. Betty Lu and Erica Wu both expressed that energy can be interchanged, and the more positive energy they sent out, the more positive energy would return.

The Cleveland Avenue Soccer Fan Club with Energy Girls and Boys, happy to take a picture while the 2014 World Cup is in full swing.

“An Era of Conscience” initiator Dr. Hong Tao-Tze said, “When everyone has a conscience, the world will be peaceful; when everyone is happy, and families will be joyful.” Your words and acts of conscience will help not only yourself or your city, but also the whole world. An Era of Conscience movement launched less than half a year ago, and has already gotten 162 national responses; 1,086 organizations to band together and promote it; and 1.1 million views on An Era of Conscience website. The site invites everyone to write anywhere from 100 to 300 words about conscience, as well as pictures and photos portraying it. If any of this seems like something you would like to participate in, please visit www.aneoc.org. If you have any videos (within 30 seconds), cartoons, or speeches (within 30 seconds) relating to conscience, please email info.aneoc@gmail.com. Any organizations willing to join in this promotion of conscience should feel free to contact us at that email to help spread love and peace throughout the world.